Lucky 13 for rampant US women over France in Rio football

Rio de Janeiro (AFP) – The USA’s women’s quest for a fourth straight football gold remains firmly on track after captain Carli Lloyd ensured their 13th consecutive win in the Olympics with a 1-0 victory over France on Saturday.

World Player of the Year Lloyd, who also netted the Americans’ opener in a 2-0 win against New Zealand on Wednesday, slotted home the only goal in Belo Horizonte after Tobin Heath’s initial effort came back off the post.

Victory virtually guarantees the USA’s spot in the quarter-finals with one Group G game still to come against Colombia on Tuesday.

France had impressed in thrashing Colombia 4-0 in their opening game and had the better of the first 45 minutes.

However, American keeper Hope Solo made a huge save to deny Marie Laure Delie on her 200th international appearance.

The world champions improved after the break and were rewarded when Lloyd was characteristically in the right place at the right time to score the winner.

Canada edged closer to the knockout stages with their second win in as many games against tournament debutants Zimbabwe 3-1 in Sao Paulo.

Janine Beckie scored twice, whilst veteran striker Christine Sinclair scored her 163rd international goal from the penalty spot.

Hosts Brazil are also looking to seal their place in the quarter-finals later on Saturday after a fine 3-0 win over China in their opener when they face Sweden at the Olympic stadium in Rio.